<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Renovating a Kitchen in the Cottage Style</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Cottage style homes are typically characterized by limited but functional space and a serene, comfortable décor reminiscent of days past. Renovating in this style does not limit your options strictly, but rather it allows for you to inject your own style and preferences while maintaining a chic, cohesive theme in the room.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Since cottage kitchens are typically limited in square footage, optimizing functional space is integral to achieving an authentic cottage feel. Open shelving and wall hooks are often installed to create additional storage for items such as dishes and cooking utensils. Wicker baskets, which are available in endless sizes and colors, also make great storage options that are in keeping with cottage decor.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Cabinets can be replaced or updated to better fit the cottage appeal during a kitchen renovation. Often cottage homes have glass front cabinets that reveal dishes or other contents, which become a part of the room’s aesthetic. Cabinets may be replaced with antique inspired glass front cabinets, or the doors of existing cabinets may be modified to accommodate glass inserts for a cottage feel. Alternatively, cabinet doors can be updated with bead board fronts to achieve this style on existing cabinet doors.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Another basic way to bring the cottage style to your kitchen is through the use of an appropriate color scheme. Neutral and pastel paint colors are commonly incorporated into cottage style upgrades for a calm and soothing atmosphere. Adding white to furniture, cabinets or accent pieces also helps achieve this style. Combining neutrals and whites with warm wood tones is also a popular idea, as is painting vines or floral designs to add interest to a wall.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Attention to detail is important for achieving the look you want in any home update. For a cottage style kitchen, fixtures and accessories that fit with the style will help complete the look. Vintage inspired cabinet knobs (wrought iron, for instance), floral elements, quilts and wicker furniture or accessories are a few ways to bring your cottage style kitchen together.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Since elements of the cottage style are reflective of the past, you can find inspiration and pieces for your cottage kitchen by visiting flea markets and garage sales, making this style attainable on any budget.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading dealer and service center for <a href="http://www.acetoolonline.com/default.asp" target="_blank">hand and power tools</a> as well as <a href="http://www.acetoolonline.com/Occidental-Leather-s/204.htm" target="_blank">Occidental leather</a> products. Please visit Ace Tool Online to find the right Occidental tool belt, bag or belt free system for your needs.</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Article Source: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Polidoro" target="_blank">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Polidoro</a> </span></p></span>